The Prefecture of Var announced on Tuesday that the Plaine des Maures nature reserve would now be prohibited from access to the general public.
The owners and beneficiaries of land located in the area are the only people authorized to access it, a statement said.
The objective of the local authorities is to protect Hermann's turtles, present on site.
Many animals belonging to this protected species were injured in the fire that ravaged the reserve last August, recalls France 3 Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.
Several dozen of these animals had been treated before being released on the site.
As they approach the onset of their hibernation, it is important not to disturb the turtles and their foraging behavior with a human presence, experts said.
No more pick-ups or trips
For this reason, the prefectural decree dating in fact from September 21 prohibits, for example, the picking of mushrooms, chestnuts or peaches in the entire area concerned.
The circulation of pedestrians, riders, dogs even on a leash, cyclists and all vehicles is prohibited in the Plaine des Maures nature reserve.
"Controls are carried out to enforce this ban," said the prefect of Var.
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